Last updated 17/03/2020 by The pain clinics - Interdisciplinary Health

- Taking Paracetamol during pregnancy can cause childhood asthma

A new study has shown the relationship between the painkiller Paracet (paracetamol) and childhood asthma. In the study, the child has a 13% higher chance of developing asthma if the mother takes the paracet during pregnancy. The study also shows that the child has a 29% higher chance of developing asthma if Paracet is given as an infant (less than six months old). The latter may be particularly sensational, as according to guidelines, Paracetamol is recommended if an infant needs a fever-reducing or analgesic.

The study was conducted by researchers at the Institute of Public Health, the University of Oslo and the University of Bristol.

- 114761 Norwegian children participated in the study

Researchers used research data from 114761 children born in Norway between 1999 and 2008 - and analyzed the data for a link between paracetamol intake and developed pediatric asthma - with checkpoints when they were three and seven years old. The mothers were asked about the use of paracetamol and the basis for use at 18 and 30 weeks into the pregnancy. When the child had reached the age of six, they were again asked if they had given Paracet to the child - and if so, why. The researchers thus used the information to see what they were taking paracetamol for and whether this had a decisive effect on whether the child developed asthma. The study was also adjusted for variable factors such as whether the mother had asthma, whether she smoked during pregnancy, antibiotic use, weight, level of education and number of previous pregnancies.

- The study gives a clear indication of the link between paracetamol use and childhood asthma

This is a larger cohort study - ie a study where you follow a group of people over time. The study gives a clear indication of a strong connection between paracetamol intake and the development of pediatric asthma in given epidemiological groups. However, it is important to keep in mind that Paracetamol is still - in the severe cases where it is really needed - considered the recommended medication for severe fever and pain in infants due to its low chance of side effects, compared to other painkillers.

- Also read: Pelvic locker? What is it really?

Source:

PubMed - Behind the headlines